Beth Israel Medical Center Robert and Helen Appel Comprehensive Breast Service Physician-in-Charge, Anthony C. Cahan, M.D. The Robert and Helen Appel Comprehensive Breast Service at Beth Israel Medical Center– is dedicated to the state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of women with breast cancer. The Appel Service emphasizes patient care and clinical research with a commitment to community education, screening, early detection, rehabilitation and emotional support. Our comprehensive approach includes a multidisciplinary team of radiologists, surgeons, pathologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, nurses, social workers, psychiatrists and other health care professionals who work together to deliver quality, compassionate care to women who have breast cancer. Since its establishment in 1989, the Breast Service has provided expert diagnosis, treatment and support to thousands of women. The service was named in honor of Beth Israel Trustee, Robert Appel, and his wife Helen., in recognition of their outstanding support of the breast cancer program. It is an essential part of the high quality cancer care offered by Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, whose combined breast services constitute one of the largest breast programs in New York State. State-of-the-art Diagnosis and Treatment Our comprehensive medical and surgical services include advanced technology for a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic care. To diagnose breast cancer, we utilize mammography and sonography (ultrasound), and were one of the first facilities in Manhattan to use a state-of-the-art stereotactic biopsy system. We are fully accredited by the American College of Radiology in conjunction with the federal Food and Drug Administration. One of our treatment goals is to provide the highest quality treatment while minimizing the time you must be away from your loved ones. That's the reason behind our Day Surgery Program, in which surgical procedures that do not require an overnight stay are performed. Patients come into the hospital in the morning and are home that same evening. If your surgery does require a hospital stay, we do everything possible to ensure your comfort, maintain your normal routine, and return you to your home environment as soon as possible. If you need any testing done for your post-surgical treatment, i.e. chemotherapy or radiation treatment, we will also try to perform those tests before you leave the hospital. A private duty nurse may be requested, speak with your nurse coordinator for details. In addition, we are committed to providing surgery that preserves the breast if at all possible and will help you evaluate all post-surgical treatment options, including breast reconstruction by board certified plastic surgeons. Your surgeon can refer you to several plastic surgeons who specialize in reconstructive surgery and can discuss the choices with you. The Robert and Helen Appel Comprehensive Breast Service is supported through a generous gift from Beth Israel trustee, Robert Appel and his wife, Helen in honor of their friends who have courageously faced breast cancer. Advances in the treatment of breast disease offer new choices, new hopes and increased opportunities for women than ever before. Beth Israel Medical Center has long recognized that women with breast conditions have special medical and emotional needs. That's why Beth Israel created a specialized service dedicated to women with breast disease — the Robert and Helen Appel Comprehensive Breast Service. Education The Appel Breast Service strongly believes in the importance of educating patients and the community about breast cancer. The Suzanne Held Richter Lounge, made possible by a gift from the family and friends of the late Suzanne Richter — a vice chairperson of the Breast Service Luncheon Committee. It houses a breast cancer resource library containing educational materials, books, videotapes and a computer for Internet searches. The lounge is open to patients and the community. We also have educational materials for our patients, including, A Patient's Guide to Breast Cancer, and two videos — What to Expect from Breast Biopsy and What to Expect from Breast Surgery. The Robert and Helen Appel Comprehensive Breast Service Beth Israel Medical Center Back to Top